Have you ever gotten to the fabric store and realized that you have no idea how much fabric you need to buy? Or worse, you just got home, after battling rush hour traffic, to realize that you forgot to buy matching thread or that particular width of elastic? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve driven to the store to buy matching thread and realized that I forgot to bring a swatch of the fabric. Or how about the realization that the fabric you bought won’t work for your project?
One of the most important factors in determining whether a sewing project will be successful is choosing the right fabric. It can take a lot of practice and experience to select the right fabric. And even after 25 years of sewing I still make poor choices from time to time. The best and easiest way to find success is to follow the advice given in the pattern, especially when it comes to fabric weight, drape and stretch. Following the pattern recommendations will ensure that your garment fits the way the designer intended. As we all know, most stores won’t take returns on cut fabric so it’s really important to get it right the first time.
So, to help make sure you’re prepared to fabric shop with success, I’ve created this free Fabric Shopping Checklist. This checklist is designed to help you prepare for a successful fabric shopping trip. The fabric section in particular asks all the key details that you need to consider when selecting fabric like the type of fabric, weight, and stretch percentage.
There are also sections for interfacing, notions and other tools, with plenty of room for most projects. The pdf checklist has two options, a single page for big projects with lots of details. Or, a mini version, so you can put up to three projects on a single page.
The Fabric Shopping Checklist printable is free to download when you sign up for the newsletter. If you are already subscribed to my weekly newsletter, you can find the pdf in the Resource Library, just scroll down to the Printables section. The link and password to the library are at the bottom of every newsletter.
If you're not signed up yet, you can sign up via the form below. After you sign up, you'll receive an email pretty soon afterwards with a direct link to download the pdf as well as the link and password to the resource library (woohoo!). If you can't find the email, make sure to check your spam folder and look for an email from help@sewdiy.com.
How to use the free printable Fabric Shopping Checklist by Sew DIY
How to use the Fabric Shopping Checklist
STEP 1: PRINT THE CHECKLIST
The pdf includes has two designs to choose from—a full page checklist and a mini checklist that prints three on a page. The pdf can be printed on 8.5x11/Letter or A4 size paper. I recommend selecting "Fit to page" when you print. If you like to track the cost of your sewing projects, the full page version has a column on the right to record the price of each item. At the bottom, you can add it all up.
STEP 2: FILL OUT THE CHECKLIST
Before you head to the store, grab your pattern and fill out the details of everything you need to complete your project. In the left column are gray check boxes that you can use while shopping to make sure you buy all the supplies you need. In the center, is space to add details about the fabric and notions your pattern calls for.
The fabric section of the checklist has a large section at the top for the main fabric being used and then additional lines for secondary fabrics. Write in how much fabric you need (don't forget the width!). Next mark the checkbox for woven or knit fabric. Then fill in the lines for recommended substrates (for example, denim, rayon challis or cotton shirting) and the stretch percentage required. If the pattern does not require stretch, you can cross out this line or write "N/A" for not applicable. Finally, mark a check box for the weight or weights of fabric recommended.
Next up in the Fabric section, are the secondary fabrics. Depending on your project, you may or may not need to fill in these lines. Write in the quantity and type of lining, or interfacing you need. (All this information should be in the instruction booklet of your pattern.) Finally, if you need another fabric such as ribbing, underlining or batting, you can write that in the "Other fabric" section. If you don’t need interfacing or lining fabric, you can draw a line through that item. Or, put an X in the check box. Do what works for you.
The second section is for listing all the notions you need for your project. Here you can list things like thread, elastic, zippers, buttons, snaps and bias tape. Make sure to include all the details, such as the quantity, yardage and width. For example, if you need to buy a zipper, note the type and length the pattern calls for. If you need buttons, make a note of the quantity and width of the button. For elastic, you'll want to note the type, width and yardage needed.
In the third section, add in any other tools you need to complete your project. These are the things not generally listed on the pattern such as sewing machine needles, chalk or cutting implements. Basically, this is a bonus shopping list section. The items may not only be used for this project but are probably essential for completing it.
STEP 3: GO SHOPPING
As you find the fabric and supplies you need for your project, check off the gray boxes in the column on the far left. Make sure to double check that you're buying the supplies recommended in the pattern (trust me it will make your sewing experience happier and the end result will be better too).
I hope that you find this checklist helpful. If you want to support the blog, you can pin these images for later. Or, visit the pattern shop via the links below. Happy sewing!
